The Crux: How Leaders Become Strategists

Description

The most important part of a leader's job is to set in motion the actions today that will build a better future tomorrow - in other words, strategy. But how do leaders become strategists? In this ground-breaking book, Richard Rumelt, the world's leading authority on strategy, shows how finding the crux of a challenge is the essence of the strategist's skill. The crux is the key issue where action will best pay off, and Rumelt reveals how to pinpoint it so you can focus energy on what really matters. Drawing on decades of professional and academic experience, and through vivid storytelling - from Elon Musk's decision-making to Netflix's journey - Rumelt illuminates how leaders can overcome obstacles, navigate uncertainty and determine the best path forward. Strategy is not about setting financial targets, statements of desired outcomes, or performance goals, it is about finding the crux and taking decisive, coherent action.

Richard Rumelt is Professor Emeritus at UCLA Anderson. He has also taught at INSEAD in France and at the Harvard Business School, and has consulted with organisations ranging from the Samuel Goldwyn Company to the Defense Intelligence Agency. He is the author of the bestselling 2011 book, Good Strategy/Bad Strategy.

'A bracingly direct guide about the pitfalls of strategy' - Financial Times ''The Crux shows why Rumelt is a global authority on strategy.'' - Andy D. Bryant, chairman of the board, Intel Corporation, 2012-20 'Another triumph from the most insightful - and entertaining - commentator on strategy' - Sir John Kay, author 'This is the only book you'll need as a strategist' - Dawn Farrell (CEO TransAlta Corp 2012-2021) 'A triumph. The book I will press into the hands of my people as the best way to make them strategists.' - Simon Galbraith, CEO and cofounder, Redgate